The operation once again demonstrated the effectiveness of collaboration between the intelligence services of the AES forces.

The joint forces of the Alliance of West African States, popularly known by the French acronym AES, killed “several terrorists” during an operation in Hourara and Fitilli in the Gao region of Mali.

A communique from the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIRPA) of the Malian armed forces, FAMa, was made public on March 31. Following intelligence shared with the AES forces, the soldiers were able to intercept a vehicle driven by two terrorists in Djidara, Gao region.

“The two individuals, Adama Harouna, who was the driver and Lamine Sidy Ould, presumed owner of the vehicle, were located as they tried to avoid defense and security forces tracking them. The said vehicle had been stolen between Dori and Tera in Niger one month ago,” the communique stated.

Initial evidence from an investigation confirms the presence of a large network of criminals and terrorists with varied involvement, which is being dismantled by the AES forces. The operation once again demonstrated the effectiveness of collaboration between the intelligence services of the AES forces.

Within the context of the surveillance of the AES landmass, two hits were made against a pick-up carrying several terrorists who were neutralised following the destruction of the pick-up along with several motorcycles.

The terrorists, on motorbikes, tried to outmanoeuvre the defense and security forces to get to their logistics centre.

“The high command of the armies reassures that the coordinated operations on the unified theatre of the AES continues with the search and neutralisation of armed terrorist groups”, the communique noted.